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Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Drizzle Recipe

Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Drizzle Recipe

4.9 from 22 reviews

This Caramelized Butternut Squash with Brie, Toasted Pecans & Hot Honey Drizzle is a flavorful and comforting dish combining sweet, smoky, and spicy elements. Roasted butternut squash is seasoned with smoked paprika and cinnamon, topped with creamy brie and crunchy toasted pecans, then finished with a warm, spicy honey drizzle. Perfect as a side or a light vegetarian main, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Butternut Squash

  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Topping

  • 5 oz brie cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
  • ⅓ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

Hot Honey Drizzle

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Toss Squash with Spices: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Spread and Roast: Arrange the seasoned squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to promote even roasting. Roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through the cooking time, until it is deeply caramelized and tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Prepare Hot Honey: While the squash roasts, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red chili flakes and apple cider vinegar. Remove from heat and keep aside to let the flavors meld.
  5. Add Brie and Pecans: Once the squash is roasted, remove it from the oven and immediately scatter the brie slices or torn pieces over the hot squash. This allows the cheese to soften nicely without completely melting. Then sprinkle the toasted, roughly chopped pecans over the top.
  6. Drizzle and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the warm hot honey mixture generously over the squash, brie, and pecans, enhancing the flavors with a sweet-spicy kick. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of red chili flakes in the hot honey drizzle according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use fresh pecans for best flavor; to toast, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
  • If brie is unavailable, substitute with a mild, creamy cheese such as camembert or fontina.
  • This dish can be served as a side or a light vegetarian main course.
  • For a vegan version, replace brie with a plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized butternut squash, brie cheese, toasted pecans, hot honey drizzle, roasted squash, spicy honey sauce, fall side dish, vegetarian recipe